Busy morning in the bush on a warm, sunny day…”Our boy” stopped by after a week’s absense…

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Our boy Norman stopped by this morning. He seems to be walking better, putting some weight on his broken leg. His leg is still very swollen.

This morning, I popped out of bed at 8:00 am, determined to get this upcoming easy day in motion. With a predicted warm day, we decided to make a big chicken salad, accompanied by a green side salad, perfect for tonight’s dinner in the warm weather. Tom, up and about long before me, boiled eggs for the chicken salad, and as soon as I was showered and dressed, I lined two baking pans with tin foil and set the four one-pound (.5 kg) packages of chicken breasts in the two pans, seasoning them well and put them into the preheated oven to cook for 35 minutes.

While I was chopping and dicing vegetables for the chicken salad and side salad, I heard the hysterical cackle of the mongooses who appear every morning for breakfast. They are still in our garden several hours later, lying atop one another, cuddled up for a nap in the shade, making their usual funny little sounds when they are relaxed. It’s delightful.

Four resting waterbucks as seen on the bank of the Sabie River.

Back to the chopping and dicing, I heard Tom yell out, “Hi, Norman, good to see you,” and I came running, leaving my kitchen tasks behind to see “my boy.”

We each entertained him while the other chopped carrots, apples, and pears for Norman, hoping that nourishing him would help him recover his still swollen, broken left leg. Deidre, the Wild and Free rescue manager and expert, asked people in Marloth Park to send her videos of him walking to show how he’s doing, which she’ll share with the two vets overseeing his progress.

An elephant on the dry river bed as seen from Ngwenya.

Tom took an excellent video of him walking across an open area in the garden, clearly illustrating that he’s definitely on the mend. Yes, he’s still limping but appears to be putting some weight on it, although it is still very swollen. Hopefully, before we leave here in a little over a month, we’ll be able to go with peace of mind, knowing he will survive this awful injury.

Moments later, a giraffe strolled across the garden, and again, I rushed outdoors to take a photo—such a busy morning. We didn’t expect many animals today, given that holidaymakers are here for the weekend due to yesterday’s Women’s Day. It seems international visitors also come to Marloth Park for South African holidays, not only citizens of this country.

A grey heron, spotted at Sunset Dam in Kruger National Park.

Back in the kitchen after Norman left, I cut up half of the cooked chicken for tonight’s dinner and froze the rest for another recipe, on another day. Finally, I finished the salads and was able to sit down and begin today’s post. By then, it was already after 11:00, and I prefer to be done with the post by noon or 1:00 pm to go on with the remainder of my day.

Although we don’t have big plans today, we have a busy week ahead, dining out every night except Monday and next Sunday, mostly with friends and events.

A hippo resting  wasin Kruger.

Tuesday, we’re heading to the dentist in Malalane since I broke a molar in half, along with a chip on another tooth, both of which happened in the past two weeks. Weird. I dread getting these repaired, but I have no choice. It’s one of those “must-dos”.

Tom just finished streaming the Minnesota Vikings’ first preseason game. He’s thrilled to be watching American (NFL) football again, and when I can, I join him.

Yesterday afternoon, our old friends Les and Jerry stopped by for a visit. We hadn’t seen them in three years. It was wonderful to catch up with them both before they head to various camps in Kruger National Park.

That’s it for today, dear readers. Thank you for your ongoing support and interest in the simplicities of our daily lives in the bush.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 10, 2015:

This appears to be a wallaby, not a kangaroo. For more photos, please click here.

We’re back from Kruger National Park…We didn’t see much but…

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We don’t often capture good photos of waterbucks, which are usually at quite a distance near the water. With the rivers low now due to lack of rain, it was a treat to see this female. (Males have horns).

Sometimes, we don’t see much in Kruger National Park…

We know the feeling well. The early-morning alarm rings, and with the same groggy enthusiasm of a child on Christmas morning, we shuffle into our clothes, pour water into our mugs, avoiding coffee so we don’t have to pee, and head for the Crocodile Gate entrance. There’s always that buzz of anticipation; today might be the day, “safari luck” might prevail: lions on the hunt, a leopard sprawled on a tree limb with a kill, or even a parade of elephants crossing the road. But sometimes, the bush has other plans.

Sometimes, we don’t see much in Kruger.

We’ve had drives where, after hours of slow rolling and peering into every shadow and thicket, we’ve come up with little more than a distant impala or the flick of a warthog’s tail as it scurries off. Very few elephants, if any, are crashing through the mopane trees. Few, if any, giraffes are elegantly gliding across the road. Just the dry rustle of leaves and the hypnotic rhythm of the gravel/dirt road under the tires.

And yet, we return. Again and again.

A croc resting in the sun on the bank of Sunset Dam.

It’s easy to forget, especially when we’ve been spoiled with incredible sightings in the past, that nature doesn’t perform on demand. The bush works on its own time. Animals don’t pose for our cameras or show up to fulfill our safari checklist. And that’s part of what makes it so magical. The unpredictability is what keeps us coming back—the possibility.

Often, we equate visiting Kruger to fishing…the anticipation is palpable. It’s that hope that keeps us returning.

Still, there are days when even our usually unshakable optimism dips a little. We glance at each other and try to joke: “Well, the impala were particularly majestic today,” or, “That squirrel stole the show.” But underneath, we feel the quiet disappointment. We want that thrill. That excitement. That feeling of sharing a brief moment with something wild and untamed.

Yesterday, we saw very little.

There was one day in particular, not too long ago, when we drove for five hours without a single big sighting. Not a single elephant, buffalo, or cat. The sun was already climbing high, casting its hazy shimmer over the road, and we were starting to accept that this was going to be one of those days. We pulled into a picnic spot, slightly deflated, when a couple nearby casually mentioned they’d just seen a pack of wild dogs minutes ago, not far from where we’d driven. We smiled and nodded, but we could feel it… We’d just missed it.

Egyptian geese enjoying the Sabie River. Note the skull. Can you tell what it is?

That moment—the one that could have changed the whole day—had come and gone without us.

But that afternoon, after stopping at the Mugg & Bean, we took a different loop. It was a road we’d rarely traveled, one with nothing “guaranteed” on it. And as we rounded a bend, there stood a dazzle of zebras bathed in golden light—no roaring lions. No drama. Just peace.

It reminded us that beauty isn’t always loud. The bush isn’t only about the “Big Five.” Sometimes it’s about the quiet things: the sound of a Burchell’s coucal after rain, the shimmer of a lilac-breasted roller in the sun, or the comical way a dung beetle wrestles its ball across the road. These moments, often overlooked, are just as much a part of Kruger’s magic as a pride of lions or a charging rhino.

There’s a kind of humility the park teaches you. You’re not in control here. You’re a guest in someone else’s world. And like any good guest, you learn to be patient, respectful, observant. You learn that not every day brings drama, but every day brings something, even if it’s only the reaffirmation that nature owes you nothing and yet gives you everything.

We waited for this old Cape buffalo (Retired General) to turn his head for a face view, but he wasn’t about to do so.

Some of our favorite memories aren’t about what we saw but how we felt. Like watching the sunrise over the Sabie River, the sky painted in pinks and oranges while hippos yawned below. Or stopping at Sunset Dam and just sitting in silence, miles away from the modern world, letting the bush speak in its own soft language.

Of course, we’ll keep hoping for those extraordinary sightings. We’ll still wake up early, still peer into the shadows, still hold our breath every time a shape appears in the distance. That’s part of the adventure. But we’ve learned not to measure the success of a drive by the number of animals we tick off a list.

Kruger has its quiet days. But those days aren’t empty. They’re filled with reminders…of stillness, of patience, of wonder.

And sometimes, just sometimes, on the way out of the gate after a long, uneventful drive, a leopard will step out of the bush, pause for a heartbeat, then vanish again. And just like that, the whole day shifts. Because in Kruger, you never know.

And that’s exactly why we love it.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 7, 2015:

Tom was reading while soaking up the sun for a short period while living at the above house during our stay in Trinity Beach, Australia. For more photos, please click here.

Trail cam photos and fun capture from Tom…

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Tom took this photo, a typical early morning for him in Marloth Park, with his laptop ready to listen to Garage Logic, a cup of coffee, and a giraffe.

This morning, I came across an article from this site about the 3-ounce liquid rule at airports and thought it might be of interest to some of our readers.

TSA Hints at Ending 3-ounce Liquid Rule—Here’s What Travelers Should Know

New technology and policy shifts may let travelers bring larger liquid containers through checkpoints. By Michael Cappetta, Published on July 21, 2025

  • The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is evaluating whether to increase the volume of liquids that can be brought in carry-on luggage. 
  • DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the liquid rules could be “the next big announcement.”
  • Currently, liquids are limited to 3.4 ounces or less for carry-on bags.

The nightmare of traveling with liquids could soon be a thing of the past.

Two giraffes stopped by during the night.

From ensuring liquids are in the proper container and size to removing them from a bag when necessary, liquids can cause harrowing delays or even additional screenings. However, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem recently indicated that the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) liquid rules may soon follow the same path as its shoes-off policy, which the agency ended earlier this month.

“But I will tell you, I mean the liquids, I’m questioning. So that may be the next big announcement: what size your liquids need to be,” Noem said during an interview at a summit with News Nation and The Hill. She added: “Well, hopefully the future of an airport where I’m looking to go is that you walk in the door with your carry-on suitcase, you walk through a scanner and go right to your flight.”

When asked by Travel + Leisure to comment on Noem’s remarks, the TSA left the door open to change.

Tom left a piece of chicken for the genet. She enjoyed it.

“Secretary Noem and TSA are constantly looking for ways to enhance security, and improve the travel experience for the public,” a spokesperson for the TSA told T+L. “Any announcements on policy changes will be made through official channels.”

Currently, the TSA requires travelers flying with carry-on luggage to limit liquids, gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols to 3.4 ounces or less and ensure they fit in a quart-sized resealable bag (with some exemptions for medically-necessary liquids, including breast milk and baby formula). Travelers may then need to take their liquids out and place them separately in a bin during screening.

Travelers who are part of the agency’s expedited security screening program, TSA PreCheck, are still subject to the 3.4-ounce liquid rule; however, they do not need to remove these items from their luggage during the screening process.

The TSA, however, has started rolling out new technology at airports across the United States: computed tomography, or CT scanners. These machines create a more detailed 3D image during the screening process, allowing all travelers to keep laptops and liquids in their bags. The technology is also being explored globally in international airports, such as the United Kingdom’s London Gatwick Airport (LGW), according to TravelPulse Canada.

The genet and several giraffes during a middle-of-the-night visit.

However, despite Noem’s comments, it may be years before travelers can take large liquids in their carry-on bags—as in potentially not until 2040, when the TSA anticipates having CT units fully deployed nationwide.

The absolute easiest way to travel with liquids is to put them in checked luggage, where there are no size limits.”

As mentioned above, it may be a long time before these changes take effect and other countries adopt the same new policy.

Tonight is Quiz Night, but we expect the questions for us will be as difficult as last week, when they centered around South African history. The majority of the participants are South African or foreigners who’ve lived here for decades. Nonetheless, we always have a good time commiserating with our teammates and other attendees.

A Big Daddy and a giraffe stopped by this morning.

We’ll be back with more tomorrow.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 22, 2015:

Tom eyeballed an old-fashioned candy in this store in an Australian mall, but didn’t buy a thing. For more photos, please click here.

Our guests have left…Quiz Night bomb!…Four more days until…

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Last Thursday, we had views from Ngwenya, where the four of us went for the buffet dinner.

This morning, I received a message from Kady. They made it to London, and now the seven-plus-hour layover begins. We appreciate the difficulty of these long layovers and how taxing they can be, especially after getting little to no sleep on the previous flight. Kady will stay in touch along the rest of the way.

Yesterday, the N4 highway was backed up due to road construction, and they had to leave earlier than the planned 2:30 pm. The driver, Shaun, arrived at 1:30, and moments later, they were gone. It was sad to see them go, but with the wonderful life we enjoy here in the bush, it took us no time at all to get back to just the two of us.

Tomorrow night, we’re returning to Ngwenya with Louise and Danie.

By 4:30, we headed to the little market to buy fruits and vegetables for Norman, and by 5:00, we entered Giraffe for dinner and Quiz Night. Hugging many friends we encountered as we entered Giraffe made us smile as usual. South Africans hug and kiss their friends when they see them arrive and leave. It’s a cultural thing and we easily fell into this custom.

Our new friend Noelene, who was joining our team, sat with us at the bar while we sipped our drinks: a Lion beer for Tom and an extra-light wine for me. I stick to two glasses of this light wine when out, which is usually available at most restaurants. However, at Jabula, Dawn orders my favorite, Four Cousins Skinny wine, to keep on hand for me, either red or rosé, both of which I enjoy.

A waterbuck on the Crocodile River as seen from Ngwenya.

On Friday nights, I order a bottle of Skinny wine and drink half of it. The following night, I drink the other half, which they store for me overnight in the fridge. At Zar 220, US$12.27 per bottle, I can enjoy my two glasses at Zar 110, US $6.13 per evening. While we were in the US, a single glass of wine, typically a small pour of 4 to 5 ounces, cost $12.00 to $15.00.

At Giraffe on Quiz night, my two glasses of extra light wine are Zar 30, US $1.67 each for a total expenditure of ZAR 60, US $3.34. For example, our total bill at Giraffe last night, which included Tom’s beer, my wine, two dinners, and tax and tip, was Zar 637.53, or US $35.56. It will be challenging to pay higher prices when we arrive in Spain in two months.

The sun is making its final descent.

Last night at Quiz Night, we were missing Daphne, our usual team member who was busy serving as the quiz mistress, and her husband, Neville, who also usually plays on our team, had to work at his job as manager of Giraffe. As a result, Noelene joined us along with our usual team member, Marolize, leaving us with a team of four.

The questions were 100% South African. We contributed a few answers when it came to the Nelson Mandela questions, but were at a loss for the balance of the questions, with answers only South Africans would know, including the music session. We’d never heard any of the songs, and we offered no help at all. Our team ended up last among the eight teams playing. It was disappointing for us. Hopefully, next week will be about more general knowledge when we’ll have something to contribute.

This morning, we washed a load of placemats and towels and began cooking a pot of mince (ground beef) for tonight’s dinner of taco salads. In a few hours, Tom will head to Nelspruit to swap out the rental car for another 30-day rental. Unfortunately, he has to make the three-hour round trip, but our credit cards only insure us for the first 30 days of a car rental contract.

And then it is gone.

Since we don’t have a car of our own with insurance, our only coverage is through the credit card’s 30-day plan. It’s a byproduct of being nomads who travel the world; in essence, a small price to pay. Otherwise, we’d have to pay a considerable amount through the rental company.

He’ll return by dinner, and we’ll enjoy a quiet evening, dining at the table on the veranda and watching the wildlife. Hopefully, we’ll see Norman again.

The school holidays end this coming Sunday, and the tourists will return to their homes in other locations. Once again, the bush will be calm and peaceful with more and more wildlife stopping by to see us, exactly how we like it.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 16, 2015:

Located on Highway 91 en route to Cairns, the Australian Armour & Military Museum is a popular point of interest for both tourists and locals. For more photos, please click here.

Heartbreaking story of beloved animal…Our friends are leaving today…

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Norman arrived in our garden at 10:30 PM and didn’t leave until midnight, gingerly making his way back over the little fence.

Today, our dear friends Kady and Rich will be leaving Marloth Park at 2:30 pm, when driver Wayland arrives to drive them to the airport in Nelspruit to begin the long journey back to their home in Florida, USA. We certainly understand the rigors of the almost two-day trek with long layovers and uncomfortable flights.

It’s been fantastic having them here with us, with busy days and nights interspersed with an endless stream of wildlife visitors. Their favorite activity was sitting at the table on our veranda, watching the animals come.

Nina, Norman’s mate, seemed worried about him.

The past 24 hours have been a real treat for them and for us, sharing everything with them, which was especially highlighted with a few giraffes visiting so close to the house that they were in total awe, making videos and taking photos of the magnificent animals. It was the first time the giraffes came to call during daylight hours since their arrival 17 days ago.

How serendipitous it was for the giraffes to arrive on their last full day, while the four of us played the card game, Spades, enjoying sundowners on the veranda.

No doubt, with his seriously injured left front leg, he was tentative about leaping back over the fence.

So today, we send them off with love and friendship, along with a plethora of memories they’ll cherish forever, as they’d embarked on their first foray to Africa, surrounded by wildlife and nature they’ve never experienced before. For us to be able to share the wonders of Marloth Park is indescribable.

On another note, the past few days have been harrowing after discovering that our beloved nyala Norman was seriously injured, perhaps breaking his left front leg. The first thing we heard was that euthanasia was indeed a possibility. We were heartbroken. For the past several years, Norman has been a highlight of our time in Marloth Park.

His left front leg is seriously injured.

I found myself giddy each time he arrived in the garden. Quickly, I’d run to the kitchen to cut up apples and carrots for him. Whenever I’ve made salad, I’ve saved a big bowl of vegetable scraps for him, which he loves, particularly the cabbage and lettuce, which are moist and fresh for him.

When Louise heard he’d been seriously injured, perhaps breaking his front left leg, we were devastated, especially when the news floating around the park was that he was to be euthanized. After years of loving this animal, I was beside myself, unable to contain my sorrow.

He was uncertain as to his next move. Wild animals are always on the move by instinct to forage and to avoid potential predators.

Our friends Kady and Rich had already become attached to Norman and his precious family of children and grandchildren. How could this be? Many said, “It’s nature, the way it should be.” But that doesn’t negate the fact that many of us, entrenched in the wonder and beauty of these animals, don’t become attached even when we never have an opportunity to so much as touch them or hold them in our arms.

When he and his family arrived last night, just as we were about to retire for the evening, he suddenly appeared after jumping over the little fence into the garden area where we feed him. Could his leg only be badly sprained if he was able to jump the fence? No one knows for sure since he’d yet to be darted and x-rayed.

Nina and Norman are often affectionate with one another.

When he arrived last night with his family, who stayed for over an hour with his family at his side, we sat out here with him, feeding him a copious amount of apples and carrots. If he stayed well fed, could he possibly survive a six-to-eight-week recovery period? Had he arrived at this late hour to say his final goodbye to the place where he experiences such love and good treats?

We stayed outdoors with him until he finally jumped back over the fence. These wild animals instinctively roam the bush rather than staying in one place. Sure, our resident wildebeest, Hal, and impala, Mac, are here almost all the time, but every so often they wander off for short periods to search for water and possibly other food sources. Mac seldom leaves for more than a few minutes. He lives here.

Nina stayed with him for the majority of the time he was in our garden. The Kids were outside the little fence, watching and waiting for their dad/grandpa.

When Nina and the kids finally left, he made a plan on how he was going to scale the little fence with that injured leg. Watching a nearby Big Daddy, he fluffed up his hair to make himself appear larger. Soon, the Big Daddy took off, and shortly thereafter, Norman did the same.

I didn’t sleep well, thinking of him being euthanized, even to the point of dreaming about him. First thing this morning, after I was showered, dressed, and outdoors, I wrote a text to Deidre at Wild & Free Rehabilitation Centre, who, along with the rangers and Doc Peet, asked her what to expect. Was he going to be euthanized? I held my breath waiting to hear her answer.

Only a moment later, she responded in a voice text, stating that if his health and strength are maintained during the recovery period, he won’t be euthanized. But, it will require a concerted effort by everyone he comes in contact with to help feed him and keep him well-nourished.

It was wonderful having our dear friends Kady and Rich here for 17 days. We will surely miss them.

The park is lacking in food sources for the animals due to months of little to no rain. We will surely do our part to keep Norman well-nourished with the healthy fruits and vegetables we know he loves and are healthy for him to consume. Only time will tell if he can survive the six-to-eight week recovery period. We’ll keep you informed.

Tonight is Quiz Night. Around 4:30, we’ll head out to the little local market, Savemor, to buy more carrots and apples for Norman. We plan to spend all of our evenings outdoors as late as we can to ensure we don’t miss Norman stopping by.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 15, 2015:

There are laws regarding the collection of any pieces of coral in Australia. For more photos, please click here.

Part 4…Kruger National Park with friends from US…Happy Fourth of July to our US family and friends…

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An elephant family strolls along the banks of Sunset Dam.

Happy Fourth of July to all of our family and friends in the US. Here’s some information about this holiday for our international friends.

The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, is one of the most important and widely celebrated holidays in the United States. It commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, when the thirteen American colonies declared their independence from British rule.

What is the Fourth of July all about?

On this day, Americans honor the birth of the United States as a sovereign nation. The Declaration of Independence, drafted mainly by Thomas Jefferson, boldly asserted that all men are created equal and have unalienable rights—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

A lone male elephant searches for food.

How Americans Celebrate

1. Fireworks:
The night sky lights up across the country with fireworks displays—both community-organized and backyard shows. The tradition is tied to John Adams’ wish that the day be celebrated with “pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations.”

2. Parades:
From small towns to big cities, patriotic parades featuring marching bands, veterans’ groups, community floats, and flag displays are a common sight.

3. BBQs and Picnics:
Families and friends gather for barbecues, cookouts, and picnics. Grilled burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, watermelon, and apple pie are classic fare.

4. Patriotic Displays:
The American flag is everywhere—on clothing, homes, cars, and public buildings. People often wear red, white, and blue to show their patriotism.

5. Music and Concerts:
Free outdoor concerts featuring patriotic songs, such as “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful,” and “God Bless America,” are held in many cities.

Black Ibis birds pecking for food on the Crocodile River.

 Cultural and Emotional Significance

Beyond the celebration, the Fourth of July is a time for Americans to reflect on the country’s founding values: freedom, democracy, and resilience. It’s a day filled with both pride and gratitude for the freedoms many Americans enjoy.

However, in recent years, it has also become a moment for some to reflect critically on the nation’s history, including issues of racial inequality, colonialism, and the evolving meaning of independence in a diverse society.

Interesting Facts

  • The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is tapped 13 times every Fourth of July in honor of the 13 original colonies.

  • Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island is a quirky tradition watched by millions.

  • John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, both signers of the Declaration and former presidents, died on July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years after the Declaration was adopted.

Whether it’s about fireworks over the National Mall, a backyard picnic with loved ones, or a quiet moment of reflection, the Fourth of July is an integral part of the American identity.

We spotted hundreds of hippos in Kruger National Park.

May all of our family and friends who celebrate this memorable holiday have a safe and meaningful day.

Last night, the four of us headed to Ngwenya Lodge for dinner at the Fiera Restaurant. The views over the Crocodile River were spectacular, the ambiance inviting and appealing, and the food was indescribable – very delicious for a buffet.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 4, 2015:

The Cattana Wetlands in Australia offer excellent expansive views. For more photos, please click here.

Part 2…Kruger National Park with friends from US…Exciting experiences and photos for first time visitors!…

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Kady (Karen’s nickname) took this excellent elephant photo in Kruger National Park.

Today, we continue with photos from our fabulous visit to Kruger National Park on Monday. Since Kady and Rich have only used their iPhones to take photos, I loaded all the images I took with my camera onto a flash drive for them to take home. I will add to it as we go along, so they will have the complete record of everything we saw during their 17-day stay.

Hippo at Sunset Dam in Kruger.

They have MacBooks (Apple products) and don’t have USB ports, and didn’t bring adapters to load photos. That’s one reason we never opted for Apple products. We prefer to have ports directly on our PC for HDMI, photos, flash drives, and USB plug-ins. It’s interesting how users tend to be either attached to Apple or Windows products, reflecting their personal preferences.

Last night, the four of us had a great time at Quiz Night. We didn’t win, but we placed in the middle of the pack among the eleven tables, each with three to six players. Daphne was the moderator and did an excellent job, but her questions were tough, tough, tough! The six of us in our group didn’t have a chance.

Several hippos bask in the sun and water at Sunset Dam.

As it turned out, there was only a spread of four points between first and last place. Nonetheless, Kady and Rich loved it and will join us again next week. They enjoyed the ambiance, the people, the laughter, playing the game, and the food. It’s a great way to share one more fun event with our guests.

A yellow-billed stork at Sunset Dam is a common occurrence.

Today will be a quieter day. We’re staying in for tonight’s dinner, making two well-seasoned flatties (chicken cut down the middle and flattened) with roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, and a huge Greek salad. Most likely, after all of us are done working on our laptops, we’ll play the Five Crowns card game once again.

Elephants were making their way to the river.

This morning we had many wildlife visitors in the garden, including Norman’s second son, Nathan. We made sure to provide him with a variety of delicious vegetables, fruit, and pellets, and we expect he’ll return soon. We haven’t seen Norman since our guests arrived, but we hope to see him soon.

More hippos, enjoying nap time on the bank of the lake at Sunset Dam.

Giraffes walked through the garden very early this morning, according to our trail cam, but unfortunately, none of us was up that early after we stayed outside until 1:30 am. When we finally wandered off to bed, I wasn’t able to fall asleep until around 2:30 and awoke at 7:30. I may try for a little nap of about 20 minutes once I finish and upload today’s post.

It’s such a delight to have our friends here. We are enjoying every moment. The time will surely go too quickly, and then they will be gone, taking with them unforgettable memories of their time in the bush. We are grateful to share this adventure with them.

That’s it for today, folks!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 2, 2015:

There was a wide array of ocean going boats at the marina in Yorkeys Knob, Australia. For more photos, please click here.

Part 1…Kruger National Park with friends from US…Exciting experiences and photos for first time visitors!…

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View of a tower of giraffes as seen from the veranda at the Mugg and Bean.

The joy of sharing this magical place with friends Karen and Rich, especially as first-time visitors, is hard to put into words. With the hope of providing them with a memorable experience in the bush, we are keeping them busy with activities we know they’ll love.

We’ve been friends with them for many years, and our shared interests are easy to tap into, ensuring that what we suggest will appeal to them. So far, they are exhilarated by everything we’ve done, and our days and nights have been full.

Most of all, Karen and Rich love the endless stream of wildlife, actually squealing with child-like wonder every time one of many species steps into our vast garden. Rich has already narrated over 20 videos thus far, bringing expertise to the content, having worked as a part-time actor in TV commercials in the US.

A lone hippo was exiting the river.

Karen, a still-working intellectual property attorney, possesses a mastery of words and an intellect that inspires her to learn as much as she can about every species, making it exciting for us to share what we know and work together to research answers to her many thought-provoking questions.

Additionally, the four of us easily engage in lively conversation, interspersed with roaring laughter. On several occasions, we’ve had to temper our uproariously loud laughter to respect the integrity of the bush. It’s so much fun having them here.

We’d hoped that elephants would cross the road in Kruger, and we were delighted that they did so twice during our five hours in the park.

Yesterday, we had the glorious experience of embarking on a self-game drive/safari into Kruger National Park. Tom drove expertly through the areas we explored, avoiding potholes and treacherous roads to ensure we encountered no issues. Plus, his expert manipulation of the little car allowed them to take good photos from several angles.

Karen and I sat in the backseat with Tom and Rich in the front. Rich is tall, but we all managed to be comfortable during the five hours we spent in the park.

Crossing over the bridge over the Sabie River, we spotted this monitor lizard.

We stopped at Lower Sabie, had a fine lunch at the Mugg & Bean, and they both loved shopping in the best gift shop we’ve seen in the world. Tom and I have been to Lower Sabie countless times in the past, but were happy to wait for them while sitting at a nearby picnic table with no pressure for them to hurry.

After we returned from the park, we continued to enjoy the abundant wildlife in the garden while playing a favorite card game, Five Crowns. I won, and they made fun of me for doing so, which elicited even more laughter. We cooked burgers on the braai, accompanied by a big Greek salad I had made, which they loved. By 10:30, all of us admitted we needed to get some sleep after two nights, since they arrived on Saturday.

A hippo mom and baby on the Sabie River.

Soon, we’re off to Komatipoort for Karen and I to have “girl time” at Stoep Cafe for breakfast while the guys head to the golf course for lunch. Rich is an avid golfer and looks forward to checking out the local course.

Tonight, we’re off to Giraffe Grill and Pub for Quiz Night. I signed us up for our usual team, I & J, and six of us will play tonight.

Enjoy our Kruger photos, with many more to follow in the next few days.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 1, 2015:

We selected a filet from this batch.  Keep in mind that for those of you reading from countries not using the metric system, AUD 32.50 per kilo translates to approximately 2.2 pounds, which would be US $14.77 per pound. This is not too bad for fresh (never frozen) wild-caught fish. We purchased about one pound, of which Tom had 9 ounces and I had approximately 7 ounces. He loved it!. For more photos, please click here.

How insignificant are our endless stories in light of world affairs…

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What a delight it was to see several young male wildebeest who came to call.

As we listen to news from around the world, we are deeply concerned by current global affairs. It’s terrifying for those in the path of ongoing warfare and dreadful in another way for those of us contemplating what could transpire worldwide.

Our simple daily posts don’t touch upon these horrific topics, and by no means does our lack of addressing these topics diminish the effect on us as we live in countries outside our own.

We strive to stay informed while continuing with our everyday lives, but not discussing it here does not indicate apathy or a lack of concern. Our hearts break for those in the path of destruction and have lost their lives, lost their loved ones, been injured, and lost their homes, sense of well-being, and personal sense of safety.

Bossy, my favorite female kudu, visits several times a day.

No words we can write can express the magnitude of what is transpiring in the world. But, our simple posts about our lives of world travel may present a momentary respite for those of our readers who are feeling the terrors of developing situations.

No, we won’t delve into the politics of these devastating scenarios, nor will we discuss our opinions on what our leaders should and shouldn’t do. Doing so is beyond the scope of our intentions in sharing the daily details of our travel lives.

We will continue to post in our typical style. Whether you find it a respite or not, we welcome you to continue visiting us each day, knowing that the love and compassion in our hearts and minds are genuine, especially since we’ve spent so much time coming to know and admire citizens throughout the world.

A purple-crested turaco has been hanging around for days.

And thus, we continue…

It’s almost noon here, and I spent the better part of the morning prepping dinner for tonight. Tom is definitely under the weather with the flu or a bad cold and has gone back to bed for more sleep. The long journey took a toll on him, and he hasn’t been himself since we arrived in Marloth Park five days ago.

I have been feeling fine since we arrived and have had plenty of sleep, although I haven’t been able to fall asleep according to my regular schedule. For the past four nights, I’ve stayed awake until 1:00 or 2:00 am, but slept until 8:00 or 9:00 am, which is unusual for me.

The underside of the purple-crested turacos wings are a bright red. It’s tricky to take a photo when they are in flight.

Hopefully, Tom will fully recover by the time our friends Karen and Rich arrive in six days, and, of course, I’m hopeful that I won’t catch what he has. Fingers crossed.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 22, 2015:

A kangaroo was posing for us. They aren’t as friendly as warthogs in South Africa or birds in Kauai so that I won’t go overboard with kangaroo photos. I can’t wait to see a “joey” in a pouch. For more photos, please click here.

Summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere…WiFi came back this morning…Meat market blast…

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All of this meat including four steaks, seven pounds of sausage, two flattie chickens, four packages of ground beef, four packages of chicken breasts, two large hake (fish) fillets, and two bags of beef biltong (best beef jerky in the world) at a cost of Zar 1853.19, US $102.49.

“The June 21st date refers to the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, not an equinox. It marks the longest day of the year and the beginning of astronomical summer. The term “equinox” refers to a point where day and night are of equal length, which occurs during the spring and autumn equinoxes.”

Gosh, being without WiFi is a big hassle for us. Not only were we unable to prepare a post, but we also couldn’t look up information that came to mind throughout the day and evening. Fortunately, yesterday, early in the day, there was a weak enough signal for me to post a notice that the WiFi was out.

These are two chicken flatties, each whole chicken cut in half, weighing 1.35 kg, or 2.98 pounds, costing ZAR 93.70, USD $5.18.

But that weak signal soon disappeared, and we had no signal at all. The fault was all the way to Komatipoort and included thousands of users. It was tough during the night, as I had trouble falling asleep and didn’t nod off until 2:00 a.m. On the other hand, Tom has been having awful issues getting enough sleep since we returned.

His first night here was good, but Wednesday and Thursday nights were awful. He didn’t sleep more than two or three hours each night and was exhausted. Additionally, he was experiencing symptoms of a cold, including frequent coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose.

Doc Theo had given me a prescription for Ambien to use when we were trying to sleep on the plane. Neither of us took it, but I thought last night would be a perfect time for Tom to take a pill when he went to bed. It worked! He slept through the night and feels more rested today, although he still has cold symptoms.

This is a pork chop weighing .45 kg, 1 pound, at a cost of US $2.27. South Africans like fat on their meat. We cut it off after cooking.

Hopefully, he’ll be better by next Saturday, when friends Karen and Rich arrive from Florida. Of course, I am staying as far away from him as I can, praying I don’t get it. He’s using a nasal spray, cough medicine, and antihistamines. Having pulmonary fibrosis only exacerbates the coughing. Thank goodness, he quit smoking nine months ago.

A few days ago, we went to The Butchery to purchase a variety of meats, as shown in the photos. As always, we were thrilled with the excellent prices on protein sources in South Africa. The prices are comparable to the prices we paid in the US 30 or 40 years ago.

Now, we have plenty of meat to last while Karen and Rich are here and will only need to make a trip to Komatipoort next week to round out some items they use that we don’t consume, such as orange juice, fruit, milk, and more. We’ll ensure that we have everything they typically eat while here, as long as it’s available at the Spar Market.

This is a porterhouse steak weighing .72 kg, 1.59 pounds, at a cost of ZAR 107.60, US $5.95.

Of course, we’ll be dining out often, but typically they eat breakfast and lunch. Today, I made Tom breakfast, hoping he wouldn’t eat so much candy from the remaining 11-pound load, as he had been doing over the past several days. I have returned to my OMAD (one meal a day) eating routine, which consists of a single meal rich in nutrients.

Now I can lose the 5 pounds, 2.3 kg, I gained back while in the US, eating “big” food often twice a day. I even succumbed to eating snacks during the day and evening, all healthy, but way too much food for me. This style of intermittent fasting may not be suitable for everyone, but I feel my best when I eat only once a day. Please check with your medical professional before you embark on such a plan.

Last night, we headed to Jabula for dinner. It was such fun to spend time with Dawn and Leon, owners of the lodge and our dear friends. We had a fantastic evening.

Tonight, we’ll return to Jabula again for dinner. I suggested we stay in tonight since Tom is under the weather, but he insists he’ll be fine going out again. I am feeling good and rested.

That’s it for today, folks. We’ll be back with more tomorrow.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 21, 2015

Tom’s homemade dinner last night in Trinity Beach, Australia, included one pork chop, three gluten-free cheese sausages, one gluten-free knockwurst on a bed of sautéed onions and mushrooms, a side salad, and a muffin with New Zealand grass-fed organic butter (muffin not shown). This is a typical meal for us. For more photos, please click here.